For most people, the answer to this question is not $1000 or $1500. The answer is $0.Your company sponsored your attendance so that you would learn a lot and bring back inspiration and knowledge for your colleagues.

For other people, however, that money can only come out of their own pocket. When you work for a non-profit, social service, government department, or if you took the plunge and are currently struggling with debt after starting your own company, the only way to attend a conference is to fork out the money yourself.

The huge cost is prohibitive for many people and is a major reason why we don’t see greater diversity on stage.